Well, one week of school down, and things have been pretty uneventful (well, except for the first day when someone wanted to test the resolve--by the way, he didn't win). Yes, the kids were glad to have him back--even the parents came out to say Hi! He went back to Syracuse this past Friday to meet with the researchers and to have more CAT scans done of his back. The research appointment went good--they are still in the planning stages, so we aren't sure what is going to happen or when, but will keep everyone posted. The CAT's also went good and he got to see the films when they were done--he really wanted to see what his back looked like now with all the titanium! The good news is they don't think he will need the additional surgery that was orginally thought would be necessary. That's a relief for us all--Jer didn't want anymore surgery, and I certainly didn't want to sit in another waiting room!
The farm is in motion again as we are putting in corn now. The last couple of weeks, we pushed hard to get in some more hay (and the weather cooperated for a change). If you get to go by the farm, you will notice the new addition of the sausages (the white tubes in the field)--these are supposed to make farming a little easier on both Ron and Jeremy as they won't have to climb silos during the next year. You'll also see a new bob-cat loader roaming around the farm--we finally found one with hand controls for Jer that make it much easier for him to do farm work (now there is no excuse not to be in the barn once in a while).
Well, I will keep you posted as new things come up--until then, Happy Fall--lets hope it's a long one--I dread winter!!
Carm
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
WOW---summer's almost over!
Sorry it has been so long since the last update--summer has been a whirlwind around the farm, and in Jeremy's life. First, we would like to Thank Mike Tomassi and his family for putting together the Motorcycle ride! It turned out to be a great day--after one postponement, and Jeremy was Thrilled to be able to ride with everyone. He scares the hell out of me when he does things like that, but it's his determination that is getting him where he is today!! Things continue to go good for Jeremy. He is now walking with just his Grandfather's cane! He has passed all the necessary testing to return to driving school bus. He has an automatic bus, so the driving part will be easy for him--the kids might pose a challenge, but he's used to that, and they all WANT him to be back, so maybe they will be good for him for the first week!!! He goes back to his neurosurgeon in Syracuse on Friday--this time he will walk into the office. The last time he could have walked in, with his crutches, but he chose to ride in--didn't want to upset the good doctor. We have recently acquired a hand-controlled bob-cat, so now he can put in some more time in the barn. He could drive the other bob-cat, but wasn't comfortable with it--the foot pedals are hard to press, and all the motion is controlled by them. He has helped out with the field work this summer--cutting , baling and moving hay bales. The only thing he didn't do was help put the hay into the mow. He did some "directing" from the ground though!The Gator has certainly been a big help to him this summer--it gets him from his apartment to the tractor, to the barn and out to check fields. For some reason, it hasn't found it's way to the sweet corn patch yet though (He never did like picking sweet corn). For Empire Farm Days, it was his transportation around the show, and the mode of transportation back to the truck for the things he and his dad bought at the auction. Almost every day, he comments that it's one of the best "gifts" he's ever received.
Each day brings a new sensation to Jer's legs--some days he gets a lot of tingling, and some days none--we are still hopeful that he will get full feeling in them before long. One of the doctors told him that up to 18 months might be required to get things back, so he has more time yet.
As for Ron, he is doing good--it's been a rough summer for him without Jer's full capacity, but he has done okay--getting some kids who wanted to help out. Today he had a Doctor's appointment and the bloodwork is looking good. Next week we go back to the Cancer docs and they will do more indepth blood work to see where the "mutated" cells stand. The treatment he is on still tires him out, but that is to be expected--he just goes to bed earlier!
We still thank you for your continued prayers for Jer and Ron and ask that you include in them our friends--Dana Carr and Bobby Franklin. Dana is a parapalegic that we met through Val's work, and Bobby is like another son to us who was diagnosed with cancer just recently. That's 3 YOUNG MEN who desperately need prayers. Thanks again. I will post again this fall after we see how things go with the bus driving and the doctors appointments.
Carm
Each day brings a new sensation to Jer's legs--some days he gets a lot of tingling, and some days none--we are still hopeful that he will get full feeling in them before long. One of the doctors told him that up to 18 months might be required to get things back, so he has more time yet.
As for Ron, he is doing good--it's been a rough summer for him without Jer's full capacity, but he has done okay--getting some kids who wanted to help out. Today he had a Doctor's appointment and the bloodwork is looking good. Next week we go back to the Cancer docs and they will do more indepth blood work to see where the "mutated" cells stand. The treatment he is on still tires him out, but that is to be expected--he just goes to bed earlier!
We still thank you for your continued prayers for Jer and Ron and ask that you include in them our friends--Dana Carr and Bobby Franklin. Dana is a parapalegic that we met through Val's work, and Bobby is like another son to us who was diagnosed with cancer just recently. That's 3 YOUNG MEN who desperately need prayers. Thanks again. I will post again this fall after we see how things go with the bus driving and the doctors appointments.
Carm
Monday, May 26, 2008
Happy Memorial Day
Well, we did it, we pulled off a total surprise for Jeremy last night. Thanks to the Horseheads American Legion, Jer now has a new "tool" to use around the farm. The Legions across the State of NY donated to help buy a JD Gator for Jer. He was invited to the Legion for a "small sign of appreciation" for something he had done in the past, and when he walked in, he realized that everyone knew something that he didn't know! He was "blown away" when the gator was driven into the legion! The wells wishes and hugs were overwhelming. His smile was hugh! Now he has no excuse to not help chase cows :)) Today, Monday, He will be in the Horseheads Memorial Day Parade with his Grandpa (who couldn't be prouder).
Other than that, his spirits still remain very high, and his detemination level higher than ever. He has been helping out with some welding around the farm, and doing some planting. He finds that a couple of hours in the tractor is about all he can muster at a time though as it's kind of rough on the back. Last week he told his dad that his next goal is to be back driving bus in September--now that is a goal for someone who was told they'd never walk again!
We'll continue to update as new things happen--or at least once a month! We'd like to take this to the point of him walking on his own--and we will see that day-- maybe sooner than later!! Again, as we have said in the past, none of this could have been possible without all the prayers and thoughts from people like you! Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts.
One other note, Ron is doing better--his blood work is showing improvement--they tell us he has 3 stages of remission to go through before they will declare him in total remission, and we are hoping to reach stage one before the end of the year--maybe he will progress faster like his son!! Love to you all!
Other than that, his spirits still remain very high, and his detemination level higher than ever. He has been helping out with some welding around the farm, and doing some planting. He finds that a couple of hours in the tractor is about all he can muster at a time though as it's kind of rough on the back. Last week he told his dad that his next goal is to be back driving bus in September--now that is a goal for someone who was told they'd never walk again!
We'll continue to update as new things happen--or at least once a month! We'd like to take this to the point of him walking on his own--and we will see that day-- maybe sooner than later!! Again, as we have said in the past, none of this could have been possible without all the prayers and thoughts from people like you! Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts.
One other note, Ron is doing better--his blood work is showing improvement--they tell us he has 3 stages of remission to go through before they will declare him in total remission, and we are hoping to reach stage one before the end of the year--maybe he will progress faster like his son!! Love to you all!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Benefit Ride postponed
HI ALL: Just a note to let you know that the ride scheduled for May 17, has been postponed to May 24th at the Odessa Fire House--registration is 8-10, ride will begin promptly after registration. For those of you coming from the North country (Syracuse, Rochester, etc) there will be a stop for lunch at the Petro (just down from the Outlet Mall in Waterloo), so if you wanted to join the ride there, you could do that and then ride the west side of the lake with the group. Of course, you are invited to come to Odessa first, and if you chose to leave at the petro, that's possible too. The plan is to arrive at the petro between 11:30 and 12 and leave from there at 1:10. If you need any information next week, please feel free to contact me at 607-857-5726 and if I don't have the answer, I will make sure I get it and get back to you!
Now for Jeremy's update--he is doing so many things that the doctors NEVER thought he'd do again! We are so proud of his drive and determination that it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how far he's come in just 7 short months. Yes, it's been 7 months tomorrow. For us the time has flown, but I'm sure for him it's been the longest 7 months in his life. One of the things he's found he can do is ride motorcycle (very cautiously though). He is riding his sister's honda low-rider and can balance that pretty good. What a shock on Mother's day to see him ride up the driveway on it. The only problem is getting off and carrying his crutches--but he will overcome that obstacle too!
This past week has been a busy one on the farm--Jer and Ron planted corn all week, while Zach, Chris, Val and Niki helped load planters and run supplies hither and yond. It was nice to have all the help as we are now all planted and just waiting for the 25th to start cutting the first crop of hay. That process is changing too as without Jeremy's ability to climb silos, we have to change how we put up haylage, so we are using the big white bags that look like sausages in the fields, so we have had dozers and rollers in getting that site ready.
Ron is doing better--his blood work is showing improvement. We have another doctor's appointment in June and hopefully we will continue to get good news.
Well, that's it for now--thanks for continuing to check in. God Bless
Now for Jeremy's update--he is doing so many things that the doctors NEVER thought he'd do again! We are so proud of his drive and determination that it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how far he's come in just 7 short months. Yes, it's been 7 months tomorrow. For us the time has flown, but I'm sure for him it's been the longest 7 months in his life. One of the things he's found he can do is ride motorcycle (very cautiously though). He is riding his sister's honda low-rider and can balance that pretty good. What a shock on Mother's day to see him ride up the driveway on it. The only problem is getting off and carrying his crutches--but he will overcome that obstacle too!
This past week has been a busy one on the farm--Jer and Ron planted corn all week, while Zach, Chris, Val and Niki helped load planters and run supplies hither and yond. It was nice to have all the help as we are now all planted and just waiting for the 25th to start cutting the first crop of hay. That process is changing too as without Jeremy's ability to climb silos, we have to change how we put up haylage, so we are using the big white bags that look like sausages in the fields, so we have had dozers and rollers in getting that site ready.
Ron is doing better--his blood work is showing improvement. We have another doctor's appointment in June and hopefully we will continue to get good news.
Well, that's it for now--thanks for continuing to check in. God Bless
Saturday, May 3, 2008
May, 2008
Hi all: Sorry it's been a while since we've updated--everyone has been busy with the "spring things" around the farm, Jeremy included. Yes, Jer is able to help out on the farm on occasion. He can drive most of the tractors, so he can spread manure and do some plowing, discing and hopefully some planting very soon. Jer's progress still amazes all of us. He is able to take a few steps without using the crutches, which is a very big step for him. He still has the wheelchair around "just in case", but doesn't use it much now. With just 6 months past, we have come a very long way! I'm sure there wasn't a doctor out there that thought Jer would come along this quickly, but then maybe they never met a Hoffman before! Driving is coming along pretty good--he still uses the hand controls most of the time, but tries his luck with the feet once in a while too. It is surely nothing he could do for an extended period, but for very short distances he can use the feet. In my mind, I can't help but think that it helps to retrain those muscles/tendons to do things they haven't done in a while.
Sorry for the short post, but I think I've covered all of the important things. We'll continue to post as things come up that we think everyone will be interested in. Thanks again for the prayers and thoughts during these last long 6 months. I for one know I would never had made it through without the friendships, thoughts, and prayers!! Love you one and all. Carm
Sorry for the short post, but I think I've covered all of the important things. We'll continue to post as things come up that we think everyone will be interested in. Thanks again for the prayers and thoughts during these last long 6 months. I for one know I would never had made it through without the friendships, thoughts, and prayers!! Love you one and all. Carm
Sunday, April 13, 2008
April 13, 2008
Hi all:
Sorry it's been a couple of weeks since we updated. Spring has arrived and with it the spring field work that Jeremy has been setting goals on! AND, he did get into the tractor and plow one field. He admits that it's not easy, but he did it anyway. This week he is off to Tennessee to visit with Matt and Kristi--his first experience with airports since the accident. Wow, that's different--of course he lit up their machines like a Christmas tree when he went through with his braces on! The tore the wheelchair apart to make sure he didn't stash things in the wheelie bars or arm rests! Then there was the Pat down! I don't think they left off one inch of his body! He took it all good humoredly though--what else can you do?
When he gets back home, he's eager to get back into the tractors and help plant. He probably won't get home in time to plant alfafa, but he'll be here in plenty of time to plant corn and do the first cutting of hay!!
His therapy continues to go good and he continues to make progress. He says his knee is getting stronger, and the surgeon has released him from his care. Unless he decides to go back and have the other ligaments fixed, he won't need to go back. From what he was told, unless he decides to become a runner, he can do without the surgery, so he probably won't go back, but time will tell.
His neurosurgeon (not the one who did the surgery) is having him go for some MRI's to see if everything is still in place now that he's been moving so much. He thinks there might be a higher vertebrae that is causing some issues with the stiffness, but it's not something that they are too worried about. Those appointments are all next week, and then it will be two weeks before he goes for the results.
His driving is good. He goes all over--he drives to Syracuse by himself, and all around town. He's been Zach's transportation lately while Zach had his wisdom teeth out in Syracuse.
We haven't gotten the final total for the benefit at the Community Center, but it's someplace in the $10,000 range. Not bad for such a crappy weather day!
For those of you who are motorcycle riders, the Fire Department is planning a motorcycle ride for May 17, 2008--it starts at the fire house in Odessa and will be going around the lake--which lake I'm not sure, but it should be a nice ride--rain date is the next week.
Well, have a good week and enjoy our wonderful spring weather. I know I'm anxious to get out and work in the yard and flowerbeds! I've had enough winter and cold weather.
Carm
Sorry it's been a couple of weeks since we updated. Spring has arrived and with it the spring field work that Jeremy has been setting goals on! AND, he did get into the tractor and plow one field. He admits that it's not easy, but he did it anyway. This week he is off to Tennessee to visit with Matt and Kristi--his first experience with airports since the accident. Wow, that's different--of course he lit up their machines like a Christmas tree when he went through with his braces on! The tore the wheelchair apart to make sure he didn't stash things in the wheelie bars or arm rests! Then there was the Pat down! I don't think they left off one inch of his body! He took it all good humoredly though--what else can you do?
When he gets back home, he's eager to get back into the tractors and help plant. He probably won't get home in time to plant alfafa, but he'll be here in plenty of time to plant corn and do the first cutting of hay!!
His therapy continues to go good and he continues to make progress. He says his knee is getting stronger, and the surgeon has released him from his care. Unless he decides to go back and have the other ligaments fixed, he won't need to go back. From what he was told, unless he decides to become a runner, he can do without the surgery, so he probably won't go back, but time will tell.
His neurosurgeon (not the one who did the surgery) is having him go for some MRI's to see if everything is still in place now that he's been moving so much. He thinks there might be a higher vertebrae that is causing some issues with the stiffness, but it's not something that they are too worried about. Those appointments are all next week, and then it will be two weeks before he goes for the results.
His driving is good. He goes all over--he drives to Syracuse by himself, and all around town. He's been Zach's transportation lately while Zach had his wisdom teeth out in Syracuse.
We haven't gotten the final total for the benefit at the Community Center, but it's someplace in the $10,000 range. Not bad for such a crappy weather day!
For those of you who are motorcycle riders, the Fire Department is planning a motorcycle ride for May 17, 2008--it starts at the fire house in Odessa and will be going around the lake--which lake I'm not sure, but it should be a nice ride--rain date is the next week.
Well, have a good week and enjoy our wonderful spring weather. I know I'm anxious to get out and work in the yard and flowerbeds! I've had enough winter and cold weather.
Carm
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Happy Spring
Well, almost spring--the calendar says it is, but the temperatures surely don't. Things continue to progress slowly. Jer is now practicing to walk with one crutch--he does pretty good, but has biffed it a couple of times! Oh well, just get up and keep going! He has been doing a lot of "paperwork" for the fire department--seems he can go and sit to do it, so why not?? The membership voted to give him his 2nd assistant chief position again, which made him feel that they have confidence in him and his ability to walk again.
His attention has turned to spring planting and field work lately. He is determined to be in the tractor helping his dad just as soon as the fields are ready--and with what we have seen already of his determination, I have no doubts that he will be out there!!
As for Ron, things are still going okay for him. He has some testing to go to this coming week in Syracuse, but that is just preliminary tests and don't seem to be a big deal. He still feels good and is back to work full time driving bus and milking cows, so that is a good step.
For now that is about it--take care and don't pull too many pranks on people on Tuesday!!
Carm
His attention has turned to spring planting and field work lately. He is determined to be in the tractor helping his dad just as soon as the fields are ready--and with what we have seen already of his determination, I have no doubts that he will be out there!!
As for Ron, things are still going okay for him. He has some testing to go to this coming week in Syracuse, but that is just preliminary tests and don't seem to be a big deal. He still feels good and is back to work full time driving bus and milking cows, so that is a good step.
For now that is about it--take care and don't pull too many pranks on people on Tuesday!!
Carm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
